Panthers land fifth at Kewanee Invite

GRANVILLE — The Putnam County/Hall wrestling co-op team had a strong showing at the Kewanee Invitational on Jan. 12, placing fifth in a 12-team field. All nine PCH wrestlers medaled. This brought the Putnam County/Hall co-op a fifth-place overall in the 12-team field.

Coach Jerry Kriewald said to have everyone to place “is a great high” before regionals.

“This was our last tournament until regionals that will be hosted by Rock Falls Feb. 2. So far, Tyrell Foockle and Austin Pletsch are undefeated against the nine teams in our regional.”

Leading the way in the 182-pound division was senior Austin Pletsch, who posted a 3-1 record for the tournament, earning two falls to give him second place overall. He is the first wrestler in PC history to make it to the varsity finals in a 12-team tournament.

“Besides beating a wrestler ranked 12th in state last week, now he places second at the tough 12 team Kewanee tournament,” Kriewald said.